Maple Grove Minnesota Snake Removal and Exclusion

April 12, 2011

Snake Removal Maple Grove MN

Minnesota has seventeen snake species, two of which are rattlesnakes, and three lizard species. Snakes and lizards are classified as reptiles, which are characterized by having scaly skin and being ectothermic (cold-blooded). Because the body temperature of these animals is largely controlled by the temperature of their surroundings, they are typically only active in Minnesota from April through late October. During the winter, they move underground, below the frost line, and become inactive, or hibernate.

Once snakes and lizards emerge from hibernation in spring, they generally will move away from dens or other over-wintering areas to hunting areas, where they will spend most of the active season. In fall, snakes and lizards move back to their wintering areas, or hibernacula.

This “migratory” behavior is more common with Minnesota’s snakes than lizards. May is the peak time for spring movements and September for fall movements, making them the peak months for most snake-human encounters. However, the peak encounter time for Timber Rattlesnakes in Minnesota is July through August.

In addition to seasonal active periods, snakes and lizards also have daily activity patterns. Many snakes and lizards are diurnal, being active during the day, particularly in spring and fall when temperatures are cooler. During the summer, many snakes and lizards, particularly those that live in dry, sandy or rocky habitat, become nocturnal, where they are active primarily at night, or crepuscular, where they are active primarily at dawn and dusk. This change in daily activity period allows ectothermic animals, such as snakes and lizards, to avoid overheating during the extreme temperatures of summer days.

Minnesota Snake Problem?

Minnesota has two venomous snakes, both of which are rattlesnakes. There are several characteristics that differentiate our rattlesnakes from our 15 non-venomous snake species.

Our two rattlesnakes have segmented tails, while our non-venomous snakes have tails that taper to a point. Eyes also differ between the two groups. Rattlesnakes have elliptical, or cat’s eye pupils, but our non-venomous species have round pupils. A third difference relates to the scale pattern on the ventral tail surface. Minnesota’s rattlesnakes have single ventral scales on their tail, whereas, our non-venomous snakes have divided ventral scales on their tail. Both of Minnesota’s rattlesnakes are called pit vipers because they have a set of loreal or heat-sensing pits located between their eyes and nostrils.

Non-venomous snakes in Minnesota lack these pits. Lastly, our rattlesnakes have triangular-shaped heads that are noticeably wider than their necks, while our non-venomous snakes have rounded heads that are essentially the same width as their necks.

Several of these differentiating characteristics require close views of the animal. It is not recommended that you get close enough to a snake to make these observations. If you do not recognize a snake that you encounter, be safe. Leave the snake alone, slowly back away, and if you need to pass the snake, stay at least six feet away.

Snake Removal and Exclusion MN

One thing to remember is that snakes are not usually aggressive! They will generally not attack you unless they feel threatened.

If you dislike snakes, or they have found a way into your home, and want a professional to come take care of the problem, contact Minnesota Snake Removal Expert. They can help find the snake problem and remove them from your home and seal areas of your home that would allow them access to nesting or resting areas.